Author: resident

Trimming trees in Ashefield

Some of the trees alongside the roads in Ashefield, particularly those sited beside the street lights are in need of a trim. The tall trees and leaves are blocking the light onto pathways in some areas; it is a problem that is particularly apparent during this time of the year.

This was one of the concerns raised during recent visits to houses 120-210. These trees are the responsibility of Westmeath County Council, who were contacted and asked about trimming them.

Their response:

Under the Wildlife Acts 1976 – 2000, local authorities are restricted from carrying out any
hedge/tree cutting or pruning during the period between 1st March and 31st August. I have asked our General Services Supervisor to have a look at the trees in question and he has reported that there are a number of trees in need of pruning in Ashefield estate, however, it will not be possible to undertake this work until the end of October/beginning of November bearing in mind the resources and finances available to us in the current year.

We intend to follow up on this. If you wish to add to the list of locations in Ashefield where roadside trees are in need of trimming, please add them to the comments below. It would be helpful to specify the house number(s) or number on the street light where the problem exists.

Minutes of the residents association AGM

Ashefield’s resident association’s annual general meeting took place in the Newbury Hotel on Thursday July 2nd, 2009.  Cllr. Robert Troy was also in attendance. Below are the minutes:

  1. Mowing – new contractor engaged; €120/cut for 4 greens; season bill ~= €1600. Some debate re responsibility for the large green area alongside C-link road. (R. Troy/E. Flynn to investigate ownership).
  2. Verges  – maintenance is responsibility of individual householders/residents
  3. Trees – vandalised trees replaced by residents association; maintenance of trees done by council. Responsibility for removal of felled trees along C-link to be determined [see a) above]
  4. General maintenance – some capstones missing around the estate – (1 pillar/1 wall at apartments; 1 pillar at ESB substation; others?). If finances allow, the residents association will source volunteers/contractors to replace same.
  5. Litter & Bin collection – overfilled bins are a litter hazard. If the bin lid can’t be closed, there’s scope for rubbish being blown around.
  6. Dogs – increase in # of dogs running about unsupervised – some of which are on special restrictions list. Dog fouling not being addressed by owners.
  7. ASB – level of anti-social behaviour seems to have abated. It’s important people keep on top of it and report it where witnessed.
  8. Empty/rented houses – high level of rentals in the estate (25% registered with PRTB; probably half as many again not registered)
  9. Contributions – low level of contributions from 120-210; need to pitch relevance of RA to these areas differently. Yvonne, Chris, Martin and Keith to act as area reps.
  10. Finances – state of finances as at Dec. 08 published
  11. Election of Officers – Chairman: Eddie Flynn; Secretary: Tom Brophy; Treasurer: Conor Loftus. [Committee members remained unchanged at this meeting]